Instruments for evaluating parental support for the practice of physical activity in children and adolescents: A scoping review.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to map the instruments used to assess parental support for physical activity and their constructs and psychometric properties.

Data source: A scoping review was conducted, with searches in seven electronic databases and reference lists, covering articles available until April 2022. Original and cross-sectional studies were sought that used questionnaires, inventories or questions to assess parental support for the practice of physical activity and sports by children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years and that assessed the barriers reported by parents or guardians for not offering support.

Data synthesis: Of the initial 1739 articles, 21 made up the synthesis. From a general perspective, 11 studies from 5 continents used a questionnaire or inventory or question to assess parental support; the majority of the samples evaluated were made up of girls and mothers. The intraclass correlation coefficient was the most used measure to evaluate the reliability of the instruments (10 studies). To assess the reliability of the instruments, Cronbach's alpha was the most used measure (13 studies).

Conclusions: Only one instrument was constructed respecting the psychometric properties. Authors are advised to consider the importance of following the instrument validity evidence process when developing or adapting instruments.